What is a Pushcart?

A pushcart is designed to prepare and serve hot dogs only and can be moved by one person.

What is a Food Truck (Mobile Food Unit)?

A mobile food unit is a restaurant on wheels that is fully enclosed with floors, walls and ceilings. You must have a refrigerator for cold storage of opened and potentially hazardous foods. A pressurized potable water system is required that provides hot and cold water for all food preparation, utensil cleaning and handwashing. A handwashing sink, water heater and at least a single-compartment utensil sink with integral drainboards on both sides of the sink and splashback protection are required.

Do I need a permit?

Units that only serve commercially packaged foods are regulated by the NC Department of Agriculture. For information contact the NC Department of Agriculture at 919-733-7366. Some examples of foods that may be regulated by the Department of Agriculture are dipped ice cream, doughnuts, funnel cakes, popcorn, peanuts and cotton candy.

How do I get a permit?

Find a restaurant that has space for overnight storage of food, water supply, washing facilities and wastewater disposal. The owner of the restaurant and restaurant health inspector must sign a Commissary Form agreeing to the use of the establishment for each day you operate.